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The Great Divide - Noah Kahan
A brand new album, and the reason for the idea of this issue. If you're familiar with Kahan, you know he writes vulnerable songs, and this album is no exception. As he said about the album: "I describe this album as like I'm in the shower and I'm half yelling at the showerhead and pretending it's whoever I want to talk to and taking responsibility or throwing blame. Like those conversations that you wish you could have with people uh but have never been able to." The album touches on loneliness, assumptions on what your loved ones think about you and your choices, losing friends, bitterness, and dealing with loved ones suffering addiction. My particular favorites are "Downfall", "Dashboard", "23", "Porch Light", and "Headed North". "Porch Light" is a song he wrote from the perspective of his mother watching him rise in fame and her worries. |
After Laughter - Paramore
Full of lyrics about dealing with depression and anxiety over fun, pop-y beats. Like Kahan, Hayley Williams and the rest of Paramore aren't strangers to emotionally vulnerable songs, but this served as a growth from their rebellious teenage years of Warped Tour and adulthood. The opener and lead single "Hard Times" is a perfect introduction into the rest of the album and what to expect. I also really love "Fake Happy", which explores the happy face we tend to put on over our real emotions, especially during hard times. |
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Inside - Bo Burnham
The recording of Burnham's popular Netflix special by the same name, "Inside" explores lockdown life. It's filled with Burnham's usual dark and satirical comedy along with some introspection. It's a true embodiment of lockdown and the isolation many felt. Songs like "FaceTime with my Mom" and "White Woman's Instagram" are a bit silly. "How the World Works" and "Welcome to the Internet" continue the silliness with a bit more darkness sprinkled in. Despite it's upbeat tempo, "Sh-t" explores the downside of isolation and lack of routine/social activity. And the special's closer "Goodbye" brings in previous lyrics from other songs to close everything up and really hits on the hopelessness of the time. |
Unreal Unearth - Hozier
An instant favorite from Hozier when it released a few years ago. Another pandemic album, but this time a concept one. Loosely based on Dante's Inferno, woven with stories from his own life. The album takes you on a trip through Dante's 9 circles of Hell by drawing upon his experience to represent those circles. The album as a whole explores loneliness, grief and loss, anger, and acceptance. Songs like "Who We Are", "Abstract (Psychopomp)", and "Unknown/Nth" are some of his most heartbreaking songs in his entire catalog of music. "Abstract" in particular is a literal abstract interpretation of a collection of memories; seeing an animal struck by a vehicle, encountering other lost creatures, and falling in and out of love. "Son of Nyx" is another favorite. A beautiful and haunting instrumental piece composed by Hozier's bassist, Alex Ryan, after losing his father. |
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Have recommendations? Contact me by email, lvollmer@seolibraries.org, or in person. |
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